Hello everyone, AzraelVoorhees here, and I want to thank you all for the wait given work and all. The next 2 chapters are decided, and the poll for the next one-shot is up on my profile (more details on the bottom). Also, I apologize for any odd wording. Without further ado, enjoy the fic!

"Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet."

- Jaune Arc, 'RWBY'

Days off were an oddity in her case. Not only was she the head maid of the Gremory Household, but also the strongest Queen of the Underworld who was also serving under Sirzechs Lucifer of all people. Did it bother her? To a degree, though there was not much she could do about it. Sure, she wouldn't have minded if she served the Sitri Clan or another family, or even have a solo act. However, the incident involving her brother left the Underworld on uneasy terms, which brought her to her current predicament. Walking among the streets of Kuoh, the silver-haired housekeeper was dressed in a sapphire blue dress that showed off her figure yet gave her a somewhat regal air.

She had been informed by Rias of a good eatery that may serve as a good change of pace, for there was a guilty pleasure she had: being pampered. No, not to the degree that people fetishized it, but rather, just taking a day or two and letting others tend to her, all to recharge her batteries. Devil society was a pain to deal with, and expecting her to be a perfect being was unrealistic... now she understood Rias and her talk about idols. Giving a soft smile as she arrived at her destination, she entered and took a moment to look at the interior: resembling a Victorian style, there were a fair share of women of varying ages, all enjoying themselves. Some came in a small group, while others were spending the evening alone. There was, however, a distinct trait: the staff. The workers consisted on men ranging from their late teens to the odd case of a man in their thirties or forties.

These employees were all dressed in proper suits, with a few having minor differences as to differentiate ranks and/or designated tasks. As she marvelled at the restaurant, a man well into his third age spoke up.

"Good afternoon madam, welcome to Pennyworth's Parlor. how may we help you?"

"O-oh, table for one, please," the silver-haired Devil said, somewhat embarassed for being snapped out of her stupor.

"Very well, madam, would you like a 'Lady of the House' treatment? We offer a private room with all the services," the elder asked.

"Yes please," she answered, being escorted by a strapping young man with well-kept brown hair that was brushed to the side in a tidy manner. He was dressed in a black suit with a matching tie as he wore a pair of gloves to finish off the ensemble.

"Good afternoon, my name is Allow me to escort you to your room, madam," he said, using an arm to signal her to follow him. The two walked down the restaurant until reaching a somewhat isolated sector of the restaurant. After opening the door, she was greeted to a well-furnished room with a precious sofa,a few chairs, and a table.

"Before we begin, is there anything in particular you want me to call you?" he asked, earning a curious look from her.

"Why do you ask?"

"Each person has their preferences. Some prefer mistress, Your Highness, Your Majesty, madam, on very rare occasions 'my liege', princess, so on and so forth. There is also the option to be called by name," he replied.

"Grayfia will do, what is your name?"

"Issei, milady."

"Then Issei it is, we will call each other on a first-name basis, understood?"

"Yes, Grayfia," he answered. "Would you like to begin with tea and pastries?"

"If it is not too much of a bother, Issei. Please bring me a bit of everything, same going for the tea," the Maid of Gremory said, her sorrow briefly being shown, only for her to hide it. With a short bow, the brunette excused himself, returning several minutes later with a cart. The table was filled with the contents of the cart, boasting an array of treats such as scones, tarts, mini cheesecakes, tea sandwiches, so on and so forth. As for the tea? An array of blends were on hand, each contained in a small jar.

"Your meal is prepared, as requested. Is there a tea in particular you would like to enjoy?" he asked.

"Earl Grey sounds lovely," she answered, watching him prepare her a cup of tea.

"It will be done, Grayfia. By the way, pardon my prodding, but what is it that ails you?" This earned a prolonged silence from her, which greatly concerned him.

"I... It is something I would not like to talk about, at least not now," she said, sighing and looking away.

"I see, but remember, there are people who care for you, Grayfia," he countered, putting the cup in front of her. The rest of the afternoon was spent in silence, which left him feeling horrid inside. As he went towards the door, he got on his knees in a kowtow position before speaking: "I apologize for trying to meddle in your affairs despite your reluctance, and I ask of you to not let my insolence affect the reputation and well-being of my colleagues."

"Rise, Issei," she ordered, the young man doing as she said. "I thank you for your service and your attempt at helping me. As I mentioned before, it is not something I would like to talk about for the time being. With this said, I do wish you a splendid evening," she answered, leaving her room while being followed by him. As she was now in the Underworld, she took a moment to re-think about her experience that day. A young man, expecting nothing in exchange, went out of his way to try and help her. She, however, was not willing to explain.

As time had passed under servitude, she came to realize that it had been quite difficult to ask for help, especially with Millicas. Fixing her maid attire, she looked at herself in the mirror before looking at the sleeping figure of her son, a son who was conceived between her and her master and former lover Sirzechs. While the request to help her had come out of the blue, it left her thinking: did he notice my sorrow? Was he truly willing to help me, or was it out of duty? Could the same be said for him taking responsibility for stepping out of line?

Enough of that, she had enough time. She was not as needed as before, allowing her time with her son, and also time alone. Perhaps she could take Millicas next time? After all, the establishment was very professional... if someone were going to be the judge of Issei's will to help, it would be her and her alone. After all, a stranger is a friend you've yet to meet.

To be continued...

Thank you for reading tonight, I feel a bit sapped given work concerns and all. To keep it simple, all stories except for '9 to 9', 'Dog and Destruction', and this one will be discontinued. Either by one-shots or the amount of time that passed, I felt that continuing them would be a disservice, a margin of experience and a way of thinking.

As for the poll? New link's on my profile, a substitute for the previous link. Given the options I found and was suggested, you get 7 votes out of 37 options (a second question featured for suggestions/feedback/questions, completely optional). For further feedback, questions and suggestions, feel free to comment, PM me or answer in the poll. Thank you, and rest well.